Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and a sumptuous feast, with a perfectly roasted turkey taking center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Thanksgiving turkey recipe will guide you through the steps to prepare a mouthwatering, tender, and flavorful turkey that will leave your guests raving. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon dried sage
– 1 lemon, quartered
– 1 onion, quartered
– 4 garlic cloves, peeled
– 4-5 sprigs of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage)
– 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
1. Thaw the Turkey:
Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Make sure it’s fully defrosted and at room temperature before cooking.
2. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
3. Prepare the Herb Butter:
In a bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage. Mix until well blended. This herb-infused butter will add amazing flavor to your turkey.
4. Prepare the Turkey:
– Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey’s cavities.
– Pat the turkey dry with paper towels both inside and out.
– Season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
5. Season the Turkey:
– Gently separate the turkey’s skin from the breast and thigh meat by running your fingers under the skin.
– Spread about 2/3 of the herb butter mixture under the skin, evenly distributing it.
– Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the turkey’s skin, making sure to cover it thoroughly.
6. Stuff the Turkey:
– Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon quarters, onion quarters, garlic cloves, and the fresh herb sprigs. This aromatic stuffing will infuse the turkey with fantastic flavors.
7. Truss the Turkey:
– Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey’s legs together, securing the stuffing inside.
8. Roasting the Turkey:
– Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a rack to lift it off the bottom.
– Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.
– Cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
9. Cooking Time:
– Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound (so, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours for a 14-pound turkey).
– Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
– Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp.
10. Check Doneness:
– The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
11. Rest and Carve:
– Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
– Carve and serve your perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey with your favorite side dishes.
This Thanksgiving, elevate your feast with a beautifully roasted turkey that’s tender, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can create a memorable and delicious centerpiece for your holiday celebration. Enjoy the warmth, love, and gratitude that Thanksgiving brings, and savor the delicious fruits of your labor!
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